Our Providers

Providers

  • Dr. Ellen Chirichella is a dedicated oncologist with a passion for providing exceptional care to her patients. Since 2011, she has been a valued member of Katmai Oncology Group, where she continues to make a positive impact in the lives of Alaskans affected by cancer.

    She completed her Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at Brown Medical School in Providence, Rhode Island, following her residency in Internal Medicine at Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital. Dr. Chirichella earned her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

    She is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology, reflecting her commitment to excellence in medicine and patient care. Dr. Chirichella's dedication to advancing cancer care extends beyond clinical practice; she has played an active role in research and served as the Cancer Program M.D. Liaison to the American College of Surgeons at Harrison Hospital, among other appointments.

    Her notable achievements include the Lilly Kenya Oncology Initiative grant, which supported the development of an oncology curriculum for practitioners in western Kenya. With her expertise, compassion, and commitment to improving outcomes for cancer patients, Dr. Chirichella is a valuable asset to the oncology community in Alaska.

  • Dr. Theodore Kim joined Katmai Oncology in 2018. Dr. Kim is triple board certified by the ABIM in Internal Medicine, Oncology, and Hematology.

    Dr. Kim earned his medical degree from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Albany Medical Center in New York. He completed his Oncology/Hematology fellowship at Tufts University Medical Center in Boston MA.

    During his academic career, Dr. Kim published multiple papers on breast cancer. One of which earned him an oral presentation at ASCO as a resident. He was also invited to sit on the American Society of Clinical Oncology steering committee that helped established the standards of care for the Sentinel Lymph Node procedure in the United States.

    Dr. Kim’s clinical career highlights have included being awarded a $700,000 grant from Safeway Corporation to develop the breast cancer center in Washington state. He also served as Oncology Director and was Chief of Staff of Skagit Health Care in Washington state.

    Since joining Katmai Oncology, he continues to focus his practice on breast cancer care, but still sees all patients. He believes in staying up to date with the current literature and research to offer patients a true personalized approach. He currently serves as the research director at Providence Medical Center.

    Outside of work, Dr. Kim enjoys raising his four children. He is an avid alpine skier and still enjoys playing the piano.

  • Dr. Shannon Smiley is a distinguished Hematology/Medical Oncology specialist with over two decades of experience in cancer care, research and education. She earned her M.D. from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed extensive training, including residencies at Maine Medical Center and Fletcher Allen Health Care – University of Vermont School of Medicine, followed by fellowships in hematology/oncology and blood and bone marrow transplantation at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

    Dr. Smiley's career has seen her serve in various roles, from Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to Staff Physician at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Dr. Smiley is board-certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology and is renowned for her numerous publications, presentations, and leadership roles within professional organizations, underscoring her commitment to advancing oncology knowledge and improving patient outcomes.

  • Dr. Klix is passionate about caring for patients with hematologic and oncologic problems. She has centered her career around helping patients navigate the process of identifying and treating their medical concerns.

    Her career in healthcare began in her teens, working as a nursing assistant. She received her RN/BSN and practiced nursing in various disciplines, including intensive care, neurology, obstetrics, oncology, and hospice.

    She ultimately realized her dream of becoming a physician, graduating from the University of Missouri, completing residency in St. Louis at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, then fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University of Iowa. Communicating with her patients, helping them understand the diseases they face, and developing collaborative plans to manage treatments and side effects are central to her practice of hematology and oncology.

    Dr. Klix also strongly believes in patient advocacy, staying active in the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), participating in several of its quality and practice measures committees, as well as the ASCO ACT network, educating our lawmakers on critical issues affecting cancer patients. She is the president of the Alaska state society (Denali Oncology Group), and an active member of the American Society of Hematology. Since coming to Alaska in 2018, she has become active in the Alaska State Medical Association, also advocating for patients with our state legislature.

    Continuing to improve care for patient’s facing diseases of the blood, and dealing with any type of cancer is the goal of Dr. Klix career.

  • Dr. Scott Buess is a dedicated oncologist currently serving as a staff physician at Katmai Oncology Group in Anchorage, Alaska. He completed his fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, following a residency as Chief Resident in Internal Medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita. Dr. Buess holds board certifications in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine.

    Throughout his medical journey, Dr. Buess has been recognized for his academic excellence, earning awards such as the Academic Achievement Award for Genetics and Neoplasia Module during his medical training. He has contributed to numerous publications and presentations in the field of oncology, demonstrating his commitment to advancing medical knowledge and patient care.

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Buess enjoys spending quality time with his family and pursuing outdoor activities like gravel biking and hiking. His dedication to both his patients and his personal interests reflects his well-rounded approach to life and medicine.

  • Andrea Birch, ANP, brings over a decade of nursing experience to her role as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner at Katmai Oncology Group. With a specialization in oncology, Andrea has dedicated the past five years to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to cancer patients. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty from the University of Colorado in Aurora in December 2018.

    Prior to her current position, Andrea served as a Registered Nurse at Providence Alaska Medical Center Bleeding Disorder Center from 2017 to 2019. Her earlier nursing career includes roles at institutions such as Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora, CO, where she worked across various departments including the Emergency Department, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, and Surgical Multidisciplinary Specialties Center from 2009 to 2016. Before that, she gained valuable experience at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, providing post-surgical care in ENT, Plastics, Urology, Oral-Maxillofacial, and Ophthalmic specialties.

    With her wealth of experience and dedication to patient well-being, Andrea Birch is an invaluable member of the Katmai Oncology care team, committed to delivering personalized and high-quality healthcare to each individual she serves.

  • Melanie Boles, ANP, is an experienced Advanced Nurse Practitioner specializing in oncology and palliative care, currently serving at Katmai Oncology Group in Anchorage, Alaska, since 2018. With a Master's Degree in Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioner & Palliative Care from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, Melanie holds certifications as a Family Nurse Practitioner, an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner, and an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse.

    Her dedication to patient care is evident through her roles at Montgomery Cancer Center and Perfect Kids and Family Care in Alabama, as well as her previous positions as a Charge Nurse at Bullock County Hospital and an RN Case Manager at Baptist Hospice.

    Melanie actively engages in professional associations such as the Alabama State Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, and Oncology Nursing Society, showcasing her commitment to excellence and patient-centered care in the healthcare field.

  • Catherine Teeselink, ANP, is a dedicated Advanced Nurse Practitioner with a wealth of experience in oncology care. Holding a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from The University of Tulsa, she is also ANCC Board Certified and Oncology Certified. Catherine's commitment to excellence is evident through her roles at Katmai Oncology Group and the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, where she provided compassionate care to pediatric and adult oncology patients.

    With a background in nursing and psychology, Catherine brings a holistic approach to her practice, ensuring comprehensive care for her patients. She is an active member of professional associations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Oncology Nursing Society, further demonstrating her dedication to advancing the field of oncology nursing.

  • Lorie Petty, ANP, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Katmai Oncology Group. With a background deeply rooted in oncology care, Lorie has served in various capacities at esteemed institutions such as The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University Medical Center. Her journey in healthcare began as a Critical Care Registered Nurse at The James Cancer Hospital Clinical Resource Unit, where she honed her skills in providing attentive and specialized care to critically ill patients.

    Driven by a passion for continuous learning and advancement, Lorie pursued further education at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, earning a Master of Science with a focus on Clinical Nurse Leadership. She later expanded her scope by obtaining a Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.

    Lorie's diverse educational background, coupled with her hands-on experience in medical oncology and emergency medicine, equips her with a comprehensive understanding of patient care across various settings. Her dedication to improving patient outcomes and providing compassionate care makes her a valuable asset to the oncology community in Alaska.

  • Yukiko Goodell, ANP, brings a wealth of nursing experience and a deep commitment to patient care to her role as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Katmai Oncology Group. With a background spanning various healthcare settings, including roles at Providence Alaska Medical Center and The Doctors of Waikiki Urgent Care Clinic, Yukiko has demonstrated a passion for improving patient outcomes.

    She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from The George Washington University and is certified as both an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse and a Board Certified Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Recognized for her excellence in nursing, Yukiko is an inductee of the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society and actively contributes to professional organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association. Her dedication to compassionate healthcare makes her a valuable asset to the oncology community in Alaska.

“They gave me support every step of the way. Their professionalism and kindness made a big difference.”

— Katmai Oncology Patient